Criminal Practice Directions: A Practical Guide for Representing Children in the Criminal Courts
Many children who appear in the criminal courts have communication needs, learning difficulties, neurodisabilities, mental health problems or experiences of trauma. Without appropriate adjustments, criminal proceedings risk being incomprehensible, intimidating and unfair.
This detailed legal guide explains how the Criminal Practice Directions (CrimPD) operate in practice and how they can be used to secure a child’s right to effective participation in criminal proceedings. It equips practitioners with the knowledge and confidence to identify participation barriers early, press for appropriate adaptations, and hold courts to their duties.
Updated following the 2023 revision of the Criminal Practice Directions, this guide is an essential resource for anyone representing children in the youth court or Crown Court.
What this guide covers
In this downloadable guide, you will find:
- An overview of the Criminal Practice Directions
Including their legal status, how they supplement the Criminal Procedure Rules, and why they are binding on the criminal courts. - The right to effective participation
The legal foundations of effective participation under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and how the CrimPD gives practical effect to that right for children. - Background and case law
The origins of the CrimPD, including the impact of V v UK and subsequent domestic reforms aimed at protecting child defendants. - The applicable legal framework
Clear explanation of:- the duties on legal representatives
- the court’s obligations to facilitate participation and safeguard welfare
- the relationship between the CrimPD, CrimPR, statute and the court’s inherent powers.
- Key provisions of the Criminal Practice Directions
A structured guide to the most important sections, including:- CrimPD 6.1: vulnerable people in the courts
- CrimPD 6.2: intermediaries
- CrimPD 6.4: vulnerable defendants
- CrimPD 5.5: use of live links.
- Ground rules hearings
When they are required, how they should be conducted, and how they can be used to control questioning and protect child defendants. - Intermediaries and communication support
Practical guidance on assessing communication needs, instructing intermediaries, and making effective applications for intermediary assistance. - Special measures and procedural modifications
Detailed coverage of available adaptations, including:- sitting arrangements and courtroom layout
- removal of wigs and gowns
- attendance of supporting adults
- timetabling and breaks
- live link evidence
- restrictions on public and media access.
- Sentencing and understanding outcomes
Guidance on written sentencing remarks, welfare notes and ensuring that children understand court decisions. - Annexed resource
A clear, consolidated table of special measures and modifications available under the Criminal Practice Directions, designed for quick reference in live cases.
Who this guide is for
- Criminal defence lawyers representing children
- Youth justice practitioners and Youth Justice Services
- Judges, magistrates and legal advisers
- Professionals concerned with safeguarding children’s rights and participation in criminal proceedings
Why download this guide?
This guide turns the Criminal Practice Directions from a complex procedural document into a practical advocacy tool. It shows how to use the CrimPD proactively — not as a last resort — to ensure children can understand, engage with and participate fairly in the criminal process.
It is an indispensable resource for practitioners who want to move beyond minimum compliance and ensure that children are treated in accordance with their rights, welfare and best interests.
Download the full guide to access the complete analysis, practical guidance and reference materials.